Chapter 126 - The Water Trial
Jack Blade advanced slowly toward the water. But instead of sinking in like any normal person, he simply walked on it, as if the liquid surface were solid glass. His steps were steady, natural, as if defying the laws of physics was just another part of his routine.
He stopped in front of the students, hands on his hips, and declared in a clear, commanding voice "The water is barely one or two degrees. But as you've probably read in the academy's encyclopedia, your cells, modified by the Z Virus, will prevent you from getting sick, suffering from hypothermia, or freezing to death within minutes. Which, let's admit, would be interesting to observe... but not very educational."
A brief smirk crossed his face before he added "Anyway! Get ready. The trial starts in five minutes. You can swim in your clothes or completely naked, I don't care!
A heavy silence followed his words. The young Hunters exchanged hesitant glances before movement broke out among them. They all knew the trial would be tough, but few had expected it to begin under these conditions.
A freezing wind swept across the beach, creeping into their clothes and biting at their exposed skin. Even though their mutated bodies allowed them to withstand extreme temperatures as long as they had enough food to fuel their metabolism, the pain remained very real. Each breath was a stab in the lungs, each gust of wind an invisible claw raking against their flesh.
Despite this, the students began preparing. Most, still young and modest, hesitated before undressing. Many opted for a compromise: the men removed their shirts but kept their underwear, while the young women retained their bras.
But Alexandre wasted no time. With a confident motion, he stripped completely and carefully folded his clothes on the sand, making sure they wouldn't get dirty.
Silence immediately fell around him.
All eyes turned toward his naked body, a mix of fascination and discomfort reflected in the expressions of the other students.
"There goes that lunatic again... "someone muttered.
" That damn teacher's pet, I swear! "another grumbled.
"I hope that bastard drowns out there" spat a third.
The young women, on the other hand, seemed intrigued. Alexandre's perfectly sculpted physique was hard to ignore.
But he didn't care. He knew that swimming naked meant less drag in the water and better endurance over long distances. Worrying about what others thought was a useless handicap.
Beside him, Marlon, who had kept his underwear like most, burst into laughter and said:
"You're a real lunatic, man! I hope we're never stranded on an island together... You'd probably try to eat me just to avoid skipping a meal!"
Alexandre smirked and replied mockingly:
"Don't worry, I prefer fatty meat. William would probably taste better."
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Marlon raised an eyebrow, half amused, half offended, then shrugged.
"Pansy, Alexandre scoffed when he saw his friend keeping his clothes on."
Suddenly, a sharp sound rang out.
One of the small surveillance drones hovering above them had emitted a loud alarm.
The test had officially begun.